Chiellini: 'Turin derby dream'

Giorgio Chiellini reassures Juventus fans he is fit and raring to go, eager to decide a Turin derby for the second time in his career. “It’d be a dream.”

Giorgio Chiellini reassures Juventus fans he is fit and raring to go, eager to decide a Turin derby for the second time in his career. “It’d be a dream.”

The defender has missed the trip to San Siro due to a calf problem, but is back in training ahead of Saturday’s big clash.

“I have recovered from the calf problem I felt towards the end of the match with Chelsea. It wasn’t too serious and after a week I am back training with the team,” he told Mediaset.

Chiellini scored the winning goal in the last Serie A Derby della Mole three years ago, nodding in a Pavel Nedved free kick.

“It is wonderful to score in a game like this, because people do care about it so much. Some say that it matters more to Toro than to Juve, but I think that’s underestimating how much people want to win.

“Even if we are fighting for different targets, once the derby begins it wipes out any differences. I am happy to be facing Torino again, as it’s good for the city to have two Serie A sides and I hope they can strengthen to go for ever stronger objectives as the years go on.

“The derby of the past had always been in the same stadium, but this team it really will be a derby in an ‘away’ stadium. That’ll make it even better, as winning on your opponents’ own turf always feels special.

“Will I score the winner again? I hope so! It would be a dream, though I imagine the Torino fans wouldn’t see it that way.”

Juventus lost their second game of the season, falling against both Inter and Milan, but remain the Serie A leaders.

“We do not feel pressure, as it’s far too early to look at the table and there will be numerous changes of position. I hope we’ll stay top, of course!”